Wave Energy Conversion to Power Offshore Aquaculture

Ocean Farm Technologies (OFT) proposes to examine using ocean wave energy to power offshore aquaculture. While developing offshore fish farming systems, OFT has recognized a pressing need for non-polluting, low-cost sources of power for system operations and diver support. The greatest need for power is in the form of pressurized air. OFT¿s AquaPodTM containment system utilizes air for positioning in the water column and for rotation to support cleaning, maintenance, sorting, and harvesting. In addition, scuba air is routinely used for many husbandry tasks. This project will evaluate a promising way reduce the expense, noise, pollution, and inconvenience of present methods of providing compressed air. A wave-powered system will be designed and tested to evaluate its potential. We will analyze the system costs compared with existing methods. Results will provide the basis for detailed prototype system design to be developed, deployed, and evaluated under a Phase II effort.